“In exchange for what?” Gander demanded.
“I will take the girl’s place, and you and I will leave here together with the chest of gold safely on board. You’re aware my family is extremely wealthy. Believe me, they will pay handsomely for my safe return. You’ll have the coins, and even more.”
“How will they know I have you hostage?”
“Ulrick. I’ll tell him how to get them a message and he’ll be our envoy. The details are of minor concern. Those are easily worked out.”
Darting his gaze back to Gander, even in the dim light of the torch, Ulrick could see the greed in his eyes.
“I’ll keep the girl with me until the chest is back here,” Gander retorted. “Once I have it, you’ll change places.”
“Only if she’s made comfortable,” Ekrem replied. “Keep your hands off her and allow her to sit down.”
“She’ll have to be tied up, and I have no rope.”
“I have the sash of my tunic,” Ekrem said, taking it off and stepping forward as if the agreement had already been made. “I will do the tying. Sit her down and move back.”
Gander hesitated, but when Ekrem continued confidently toward him, he shoved Ailith to the floor.
“There! She’s sitting,” Gander bellowed. “Ulrick, go and get the box, or so help me I’ll kill the both of them.”
“I need someone to come with me and hold the torch, unless you want to risk the box being dropped and smashed to pieces.”
“They’re both staying, and you’d better be fucking careful.”
“I’ll go with Ulrick.”
Everyone abruptly turned toward the voice coming from the back wall.
Varig was walking toward them holding a small flaming stick.
“Where did you come from?” Gander barked.
“I was resting in here,” Varig lied. “I don’t like sleeping on sand.”
“Good. The problem is solved,” Ekrem declared, sitting down next to Ailith. “What are you waiting for, Ulrick? You and... what’s your name?”
“Varig,” the young warrior replied.
“You and Varig retrieve the box, then we can all get out of here.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Though Ulrick hated leaving Ailith, he had no choice. His only consolation was the confidence he had in Ekrem. The man was cunning, and Ulrick was sure the olive-skinned spy had a scheme. Varig gave Gander his small flaming stick, then left the cavern with Ulrick.
“Thank you for showing yourself, Varig,” Ulrick said solemnly. “Did Magnus also hear what was happening?”
“He was in a very deep sleep, but he’s doing well. His breathing is much better.” Then pausing, he added, “I wasn’t sure what to do. I wanted to throw a dagger into Gander’s back, or creep up and stab him, but I was worried Ailith would end up getting hurt—or worse.”
“You did the right thing,” Ulrick assured him. “It was an extremely dangerous situation.”
“But Ulrick, I don’t understand. I heard Gander had been poisoned. Everyone thinks he’s dead.”
“When I found him he was slumped on the floor, and his eyes were open as if staring in fright. That’s one of the signs of being killed by a dark purple berry. I had every reason to believe he’d been murdered.”
“If he wasn’t poisoned, why did his eyes look like that?”
“I just learned rubbing the juice of the berry into your eye has the same effect, but doesn’t kill you. That’s what he did, and I’ll tell you the rest later,” Ulrick said, moving his gaze to the rising water crashing over the outer rocks. “Right now we have to retrieve a chest. When we get to the spot, I need you to stay as close to me as possible with that torch, but this won’t be easy.”
“How will we reach it? We’re not going to in front of those wild waves, are we?”
“I wouldn’t even consider it,” Ulrick replied. “We’ll climb up the side of the cliff, then down to the rock that sits above the pool.”
“That’s not a problem for me,” Varig said confidently. “I love climbing.”
“Then you’re the perfect man for this job. Let’s get moving.”
* * *
Inside the cavern, though Ailith was trying to remain calm, she couldn’t stop worrying about Ulrick and his perilous task. But Ekrem’s astonishingly relaxed demeanor helped, and she also believed Gander was so hungry for the gold he wasn’t thinking clearly.
“Gander,” Ekrem suddenly said, breaking the silence, “I must ask—how did you find my chest?”
“Ulrick thought I was dead and had me thrown in the water just like I knew he would,” Gander sneered. “It was hard not to laugh while Bjørn was carrying me.”
“I’m sure it was,” Ekrem remarked. “I’m guessing you swam across the bay and hid out in this cavern.”
“For a while, but I’ve been staying on my own boat as well. No one’s been on board. It was easy. I just happened to be in the water when I spotted the three of you coming in here.”
“Ah, I see.”
“I waited a short time, then followed, and I heard you in that small cave. I waited until you all left, then went to investigate and found the stones. I just pushed them out of the way, and there was the chest with all those shiny gold coins. Obviously I had nowhere to take it. That’s why I hid it in the rocks.”
“All this time we thought you were dead, you’ve been watching us,” Ailith muttered.
“Not you. I don’t give a shit about you. I was just hoping the gold would be found, and it was! Very clever hiding on your boat, Ekrem. If I’d known I would’ve paid you a visit.”
“But how did you plan to get away?” Ailith pressed. “Surely there’s no harm in telling us now.”
“I had planned to travel inland and pick up a horse and cart. Once I collected the chest, I’d set myself up in a town some place. But now things are even better. I’ll disappear on a fast boat, and Ailith, I’ve decided you’re coming along for the ride.”
“Why?” Ailith bleated.
“That wasn’t our deal,” Ekrem snapped.
“Yeah, well, deals change,” he smirked, ogling Ailith. “I want to have some fun on my travels.”
“But don’t you—” Ekrem began.
“Hey!” Gander barked, cutting him off. “I’ve changed my mind about trading you for more money. It’s too risky. I’ll be taking your ship, but you’ll be staying behind, and you’ll help me get the boat in the water or I’ll kill her. Now keep your mouths shut. I need to figure out how to get my gold back to my new boat.”
* * *
Gander had expertly laced the rope around the casket, and in spite of its weight, heaving it from the tide pool wasn’t as difficult as Ulrick had feared. But transporting it back to the beach was another matter.
As Varig moved from one boulder to the next, Ulrick would pass it to him, but after being submerged, the wooden box had become much heavier. The short journey took all their strength and great caution. By the time they reached the sand they were both exhausted, and large waves were now splashing over the rocks where they’d been standing over the tide pool.
“I could never have done this without you, Varig,” Ulrick said breathlessly. “You’ll be rewarded.”
“I’m glad I was here,” Varig replied, also panting from the effort. “It’s almost a blessing Magnus was sick or I wouldn’t have been.”
“Fate is sometimes kind. Let’s get this box inside, but Varig, if you see any kind of opportunity to foil Gander, take it. But don’t be a hero,” Ulrick added hastily. “Do you understand?”
“I understand exactly, and I won’t do anything that might jeopardize Ailith.”
Sharing the weight between them, they carried the chest into the cavern, left it at the entrance, then walked up to Gander. The traitor was still standing over his hostages and leering down at them, but looked up as Ulrick and Varig entered.
“It’s done, Gander,” Ulrick exclaimed. “The gold is by the opening. It’s yours. Release Ailith a
nd take it.”
“There’s been a change of plan,” Gander grunted with a smirk. “Ailith’s joining me and we’re leaving on Ekrem’s boat.”
Though Ulrick’s heart leapt, he didn’t react.
“Varig, pick up the chest,” Gander ordered. “You’ll be carrying it for me.”
“Sorry, Gander,” Varig replied. “I’m afraid that’s impossible. It weighs a ton from being in the water, and I hurt my arm getting it here.”
Gander scowled, then abruptly turned his gaze to Ekrem.
Ulrick shot Varig a wink of approval.
The young warrior’s comment had been brilliant.
He was proving to be invaluable.
“Ekrem, you’ll have to be the one—”
“Gander, you can’t possibly expect me to lift the casket,” Ekrem exclaimed, interrupting him. “I don’t have anywhere near the strength needed to pick it up, let alone carry it.”
Studying Gander’s fury as he turned away from Ekrem, it occurred to Ulrick the traitorous thief had planned to leave him in the cavern—but dead.
“It appears the only one here to carry the chest of coins is your arch enemy,” Ekrem exclaimed, waving his arm toward Ulrick.
“You don’t think I know that?” Gander barked.
“No one, not even me, can carry that waterlogged box of gold alone,” Ulrick said calmly. “I’ll still need help. Varig, do you think you can manage it with the two of us?”
“I don’t think I’ll get very far,” Varig replied innocently. “You know I barely made it in here.”
“You either carry that box to Ekrem’s ship, or—”
“Or what?” Ekrem asked sharply. “Killing Varig does you no good at all. He’s useless to you alive or dead. Kill Ulrick and your gold won’t be going anywhere. Kill me and the ship won’t leave the beach. Kill Ailith and you won’t have anything to bargain with. In fact, without us, you’re going nowhere, and taking nothing with you.”
Ekrem had spoken with intimidating confidence, and as he glanced at Gander, Ulrick could see he was completely confounded. An uncomfortable silence settled in the air.
Ulrick knew not to breathe a word.
* * *
Ailith had been sitting quietly with her wrists tied behind her back, but she’d been fidgeting with the ends of Ekrem’s soft satin sash. As the men had been talking, she’d discovered the knot wasn’t a knot at all, and with one gentle tug, the ribbon had fallen away.
Her hands were free.
Lifting her eyes, she could see Gander and Ulrick glaring at each other, and Ekrem was studying them both, but Varig was looking directly at her. Sensing an opportunity, she slowly moved her arm just enough to show him she was no longer bound. Certain Ulrick and Varig would be able to overpower Gander, she decided to bolt.
But if Gander somehow managed to catch her...
As she shuddered at the thought, she saw him abruptly move his eyes from Ulrick back to Ekrem.
Varig seized the opportunity to whisper in Ulrick’s ear.
Ulrick glanced in her direction.
As their eyes met, he jerked his head.
She heard his unspoken message.
Go!
But before she could move, Gander suddenly turned and strode toward her. Standing above her with his legs spread, he leaned over and reached for her upper arm.
She knew the moment would be her only chance.
Throwing up her knee, she smashed it into his groin.
Grabbing himself with an anguished cry, he staggered backwards, then toppled to the hard cavern floor.
But Ailith wasn’t finished.
“You’re a monster,” she wailed furiously, hurling herself on top of him and pounding his face with her fists. “You’re a horrible beast. I wish the giant fish had found you and ripped you to shreds with their crushing teeth.”
Though Ulrick swooped in and lifted her up, she continued her tirade, kicking her legs and punching the air.
“Varig, do something with him,” Ulrick shouted, trying to be heard over Ailith’s shrieking voice.
But Varig had already raced to the chest and removed the rope. Running back to Gander, he tied his ankles together, and with Ekrem’s help, rolled him onto his stomach and bound his wrists at the small of his back.
“Heavens, what’s happening here?” Magnus demanded, suddenly appearing out of the darkness.
In spite of Ulrick’s attempts to calm her down, Ailith’s fury had continued pouring out of her, but hearing Magnus’s voice she suddenly stopped.
“My dear girl, what on earth’s the matter with you?” he muttered, hurrying up to her as Ulrick finally stood her on her feet.
“That man is a beast. An absolute beast.”
“But your quick thinking disabled him,” Magnus said calmly. “Take a breath and relish the victory. It’s not every day a young woman defeats a warrior.”
* * *
Deciding to leave Gander in the cavern for the night, Ulrick secured him further by looping the rope through his wrists and ankles and tying it off. While Ailith stayed with Magnus, Varig and Ulrick carried the precious chest down the beach to Ekrem’s boat, and Ekrem kept his eyes peeled on the sleeping warriors.
But carrying it up the ladder was impossible.
They were forced to hoist it up the side and onto the deck.
Finally following Ekrem into a small room in the hull, they deposited the treasure. Letting out a relieved breath, Ekrem lifted the lid and removed two coins.
“Varig, my kingdom offers you its blessings and thanks,” he declared, handing him the precious gold. “Use these wisely over time, and keep them secret.”
“This is a fortune,” Varig murmured, gazing at the gold in his palm.
“It will be if you heed Ekrem’s advice,” Ulrick said solemnly, “and I’ll be close at hand to make sure you do.” Then pausing, he placed his hand on Varig’s shoulder. “You showed fortitude and cleverness tonight. From now on you will be at my side, accompany me to meetings, and join me on my travels. You will watch and learn, and I will listen to any ideas you offer. Eventually you will rise to become one of my advisors.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Varig muttered, staring at Ulrick, his eyes brimming and filled with gratitude.
“Ekrem, we’ll speak more tomorrow morning,” Ulrick said, feeling an onset of weariness seep through his body. “I must fetch Ailith and get some rest before daybreak.”
“We are all in need of sleep,” Ekrem agreed. “I’ll walk you to the ladder.”
* * *
Lost in their thoughts and exhausted from their efforts, Ulrick and Varig spoke little on their return to the cavern. As they entered, they found Gander as they’d left him, and the glow of a fire coming from Magnus’s small cave.
“I’m so glad you’re back,” Ailith exclaimed, stepping out of the grotto and running to meet them. “You were gone so long. I was worried.”
“It wasn’t easy getting that chest on board Ekrem’s ship,” Ulrick said, placing an arm around her shoulders.
“I’m going to say goodnight,” Varig muttered. “My body is complaining.”
“I’m sure it is,” Ulrick replied, knowing the young warrior’s aches and pains would be gone sooner than his own. “Goodnight, Varig. Rest well.”
“Goodnight, Varig,” Ailith murmured. “Thank you for everything.”
“Goodnight, Ailith. I hope you dream sweet dreams,” he murmured, then moved slowly back to join Magnus in the small cave.
“Would it be better to stay here?” Ailith asked as Ulrick took her hand and headed toward the entrance. “The water must be high by now.”
“I have to be away from him,” Ulrick replied, glancing at Gander. “The temptation to kill him might prove too great, but mostly,” he said, lowering his voice as they entered the passage between the boulders, “I want to be alone with you in the privacy of my own cabin.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
The sea was high, but there was no
wind and the water wasn’t rough. Carrying Ailith to the ladder, Ulrick held her as she clutched the rope, then followed her up as she climbed on board. Though they were both exhausted, on the way to the steps leading to his cabin, he abruptly yanked her into his body and gazed across the moon-kissed water.
“We’re heading home in the morning,” he murmured softly. “I’ve only been here a short time, but it feels...”
“Like a long time,” she said softly, finishing his sentence. “It’s the same for me.”
“You’ll find my home very different to your small settlement. My clan is one of the largest in the region, and other tribes often visit. It’s a busy place.”
“I’ll do my best not to show my, uh, strange side,” she promised, shifting in his arms and looking up at him.
“Don’t hide that part of yourself,” he said firmly. “Your special talent is to be admired, not feared. Magnus has a touch of magic as well. I know the two of you will become very close.”
“It’s already happening. He understands me, and now I know why.” Then leaning against his chest, she was swept up by a long yawn.
“We both need to rest,” he said, breaking their hug and taking her hand.
After he led her into his dark cabin, she dropped on top of the pelts.
“Ailith, you will always be naked when we sleep,” he decreed, quickly stripping off.
Settling next to her, he unfastened her dress, lifted it over her head, then pushed her on her back. In spite of his fatigue, he couldn’t resist nuzzling her neck and lowering his mouth to her nipples.
“Roll on your stomach,” he murmured, raising his head.
“Are you going to spank me, Master?” she asked as he fondled her bottom. “I know what I did was risky, but I had to do something. Gander was about to grab me and use me as his hostage again.”
“Sometimes risks must be taken, and you were very clever, but enough talk. Lie on your side with your back to me.”
Positioning himself behind her, he moved his fingers into her womanhood to check her wetness, then thrust his stiffening member into her passage.
“We’ll sleep with my cock buried inside you,” he murmured, bringing his arm around her and clasping her breasts. “When I wake up, I’ll ravage you to welcome the day.”
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